WNBA playoffs 2024: Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark vs Connecticut Sun matchup in first round

Posted by Admin September 20, 2024 Basketball

The Indiana Fever will play the Connecticut Sun in the first round of the 2024 WNBA playoffs. The Fever are the league’s No. 6 seed and the Sun are No. 3.

The Fever (20-20) are in the playoffs for the first time since 2016, the last time they finished .500. Likely Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark (19.2 points, league-leading 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds) and Kelsey Mitchell (19.6 points, 40.2% 3-point shooting) lead the Fever offense, helped by fellow WNBA All-Star Aliyah Boston (14.1 points, 9.0 rebounds) and NaLyssa Smith (10.4 points, 7.2 rebounds).

The Sun (28-12) have six double-figure scorers (details below) and feature the league’s stingiest defense, allowing 74 points per game. Connecticut takes care of the ball (12 turnovers per game) and forces opponents into a league-most 15 turnovers.

Alyssa Thomas was a member of the U.S. Olympic team that won the 2024 Paris Olympics. DeWanna Bonner and Brionna Jones were on the WNBA All-Star team that beat the Olympic squad in an exhibition. Tyasha Harris is a 2016 graduate of Heritage Christian High School in Indianapolis.

The Fever like to push the pace, while the Sun are happy to make it a halfcourt game. The team that imposes its style will likely have an advantage.

When will the Fever play the Sun in the WNBA playoffs?

Sept. 22, Sunday: at Connecticut, 3 p.m. ET, ABC

Sept. 25, Wednesday: at Connecticut, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Game 3, if necessary, at Indiana, TBA

Fever vs. Sun scores in 2024

The Sun own a 3-1 season edge this season, with the first three matchups coming in the first 11 games of the season.

May 14, at Connecticut: Sun 92, Fever 71

May 20, at Indiana: Sun 88, Fever 84

June 10, at Connecticut: Sun 89, Fever 72

Aug. 28, at Indiana: Fever 84, Sun 80

Connecticut Sun stats leaders

Six Sun players average in double figures. They traded for Marina Mabrey from the Chicago Sky to add 3-point skill.

DeWanna Bonner (15.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals); Marina Mabrey (15.3 points, 42% 3-point shooting), Brionna Jones (14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds), DiJonai Carrington (12.7 points, 4.9 rebounds), Tyasha Harris (10.4 points), Alyssa Thomas (10.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 7.9 assists)

Connecticut Sun roster

With player number, name, height

3, Tiffany Mitchell, 5-9

4, Marina Mabrey, 5-11

10, Olivia Nelson-Odada, 6-5

21, DiJonai Carrington, 5-11

22, Veronica Burton, 5-9

24, DeWanna Bonner, 6-4

25, Alyssa Thomas, 6-2

42, Brionna Jones, 6-3

45, Astou Ndour-Fall, 6-5

51, Caitlin Bickle, 6-1

52, Tyasha Harris, 5-10

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Connecticut Sun coach

Stephanie White, an Indiana basketball legend, is in her third season coaching the Sun. White won Indiana Miss Basketball at Seeger High School (1995), led Purdue to a national championship (1999), and played for (2000-04) and coached the Fever (2015-16).

Briann January, a former Fever player (2009-14), is an assistant coach.

Why is Connecticut called the Sun?

The team plays in the Mohegan Sun casino in Uncasville.

Why is there a WNBA team in Connecticut?

Connecticut is a women’s basketball hotbed. The UConn women’s basketball team, coached by Geno Auriemma, has been a powerhouse for decades, winning 11 NCAA championships. The fandom has extended to the pros.

The franchise, originally the Orlando Miracle starting in 1999, moved to Connecticut in 2003.